§ Mr. Moate (by Private Notice)asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement on the railway crash at Sheerness on Friday, 26th February, 1971.
§ The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Peter Walker)Just before 19.00 on Friday, 26th February, 1971, the 17.16 Victoria to Sheerness 10-coach electric multiple-unit passenger train, which was fortunately lightly loaded, collided heavily with the buffer stops at Sheerness. These stops were of the standard bent rail type and had a 20-ft. sand-drag beyond them. The leading bogie of the first coach stopped in the sand-drag but the body lifted off it and, followed by the second bogie and the second coach, mounted the platform and ploughed through the ticket and entrance halls and the wall beyond, carrying away a roof support, to finish up with the leading coach and half of the second on or beyond the concourse. The damage done and the position in which the train came to rest suggest that the speed at impact was some 15–25 m.p.h.
I much regret to inform the House that one person was killed and nine passengers and the driver and guard were injured sufficiently to merit hospital attention. I am sure it would be the wish of all right hon. and hon. Members to join me in extending our sympathy to the relatives of the deceased and to all those who were injured.
An inquiry into the accident has been ordered, and will take place as soon as possible.
§ Mr. MoateI am most grateful to my right hon. Friend for his statement. 1226 Naturally, I wish to associate myself with his expression of sympathy for the relatives of the deceased and for those who suffered injuries in the accident. May I also pay tribute to the work done by British Rail which ensured that normal services were resumed at an exceptionally rapid speed? In view of the most unusual circumstances of this accident and the need to maintain the confidence of the travelling public, may we assume that the results of the inquiry will be made public as promptly as possible?
§ Mr. WalkerThe inquiry will be held in public and its findings will be made public. I have appointed one of the most experienced inspectors to hold the inquiry.
§ Mr. MulleyI should like, an my own behalf and that of my right hon. and hon. Friends, to associate the Opposition with the expressions of sympathy to the relatives of the bereaved and those who were injured. Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that the normal type of inquiry is sufficient for this very unusual accident? Will he take all possible steps to ensure that it is started as soon as possible? Can he give at this stage any date when we may expect the report? Finally, I should like to associate my right hon. and hon. Friends and myself with the tribute paid to the staff of British Rail who seem to have done an extraordinarily good job.
§ Mr. WalkerI am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. I shall ensure that his remarks are conveyed to the Chairman of the British Railways Board. I have asked for the inquiry to take place as soon as possible. I cannot give a firm date because various technical inquiries must take place before the inquiry can be carried out. I am satisfied that this is by far the best type of inquiry in the circumstances.